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Cholesterol is a type of lipid (fat) molecule that is that is necessary for life, because it is an essential structural component of all animal cell membranes. In addition to its importance for the body's cell structure, cholesterol also serves as a precursor for the biosynthesis of steroid hormones, bile acid[6] and vitamin D. However, being a fat molecule cholesterol does not mix with blood (water), as it would cause immediate clotting. Therefore, for cholesterol to reach all the body's cells it must be transported by water-soluble molecules called lipo-proteins. Lipo-proteins come in many molecular sizes and it is the size of the molecule that determines how it is classified. There are five major classifications of lipo-proteins: HDL, LDL, IDL, VLDL and ULDL (chylomicrons). Within each class there are also many varying sizes. However, it is primarily two to three subclasses of LDL molecules that are responsible for the development and progression of plaque within the arterial wall:..

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